Finding Justification For The Existence Of Minds - 1514 Words

The problem of other minds, in philosophy, addresses the issue of finding justification for the existence of minds other than one’s own. The issue is one that logically and chronologically follows the resolution of whether the individual mind truly exists, for if an individual admits to being, or at least having, a mind, then the question of whether consciousness exists in other beings shortly follows. Put simply, the problem states: if one can only observe the behavior of others, and if one cannot prove the actuality of any thoughts other than one’s own, then how can one know that others have minds? That is, the presence of complex behavior does not provide proof of mentality. While the answer seems simple if examined superficially, the proof and reasoning remains difficult to articulate. It is reasonable to assume that because I have a thinking mind—that which reasons, feels, remembers, and is self-aware—then the human beings surrounding me must surely h ave the same; however, philosophy calls in to question the reality of â€Å"ingenious automata,† or mechanical computers made to imitate a human beings (Russell 248). Could the beings surround one’s self be humans with similar human minds, or could they be humanoid robots created to act and react as humans would? This possible, although admittedly improbable, suggestion forces one to contemplate and legitimize the idea of personhood as it applies to beings other than one’s self. Bertrand Russell, noted British philosopher,Show MoreRelatedKierkegaard Essay519 Words   |  3 PagesKierkegaard Kierkegaard felt that subjective reflection was more crucial to the individual life than objective reflection because it focused on passion and human existence instead of logic and impersonal truth. The objective world is the world of facts and truth independent of the perceptions of humans. Objective reflection focuses on what actually is, in the objective world. Objective reflection centers on the things and ideas in the world that can give meaning to life. The subjective worldRead MoreWhat Is Knowledge? : Nature Of Belief, Justification And Truth Essay1581 Words   |  7 Pagesbeliefs. For the basis of this paper, the three sub topics of the logos knowledge, which are the nature of belief, justification and truth, will be discussed further into detail. These are considered the criteria/rules for the concept of knowledge. The first sub-branch is the nature of belief. Philosophy is all about finding answers to our questions about the world and of our existence. How does a belief qualify as knowledge? When we believe in something, we take it to be regarded as true. A beliefRead More Finding Yourself Essay763 Words   |  4 PagesFinding Yourself Hidden under every cloak, every item of clothing, and all makeup lies a body. Under the skin of a body lies a soul, and a mind of thoughts. Reaching further we search for where the thoughts were born. As an embryo we are brought into this world, and raised by our creators. From them we are taught life. Depending on our parents or whoever is raising us we become a person, with thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas. Looking deeper it becomes clear that all idea’sRead MoreTok Essay - Ethics and Math1702 Words   |  7 Pages10. Through different methods of justification, we can reach conclusions in ethics that are as well-supported as those provided in mathematics. To what extent would you agree? One could argue that mathematics and ethics are the underlying essentials above which our society has based itself. Scores of cities have built their infrastructures using measurements and methods founded in mathematics. Our inherent ethical natures have catalyzed the great minds from ancient civilizations to create democraciesRead MoreNotes on Chapter Two- Does the Center Hold? Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesTruth Is Beauty, Beauty Is Truth Rationalist Epistemology Epistemology * Theory of knowledge; often provokes big questions on the meaning and justifications of conventional knowledge. * Ex; What is knowledge? Can we know anything for certain? What are the limitations of what we know? * Socrates began to question the usual perceptions of knowledge, advocating for a clearer picture than common sense allowed. The Philosophy of Plato * You cannot claim to know somethingRead MoreAristotle Is A Well Renowned Philosopher That Lived And866 Words   |  4 Pagesreduce to circular logic. How can something with a rational soul claim that its species has such based solely on the differences in the ability between the three cases without also acknowledging something of higher standing as per the justification for the existence for the previous souls? Why are humans able to reason? It is because they have a rational soul. Then why do they have a rational soul? It is because they are able to reason. Henceforth the argument is of circular logic. It does howeverRead MoreRenee Pann . Mid Term Essay. John Locke’S Limited Representationalism. March 12, 2017. A. . Do You Ever1417 Words   |  6 Pagescogitate, so many explications are out there and we still don’t have the answers we optate. John Locke, who wanted to test those questions was the first modern empiricist we studied. His philosophies were deeply influential on us. Locke argued that, â€Å"the mind represents the external world, but does not duplicate it.† (The Potency of Conceptions, 2002). His argument makes you genuinely contemplate subsistence and makes you second guess your opinion on what you cerebrate you wish to be true in life. His specificRead MoreThe Existence Of A Single Celled Organism1687 Words   |  7 Pagesargue God created man and everything around, and that what we distinguish now. Those who oppose the religious statement argue the idea of evolution and we all originate from a single celled organism. Each of these statements are limited for their justifications are supported by religion or science. Philosophically, both of these statements are not correct. Humanity relies excessively on religion and/or science for the answers to the questionable. Formulas and equations demonstrates the steps that areRead MoreEssay Existentialism1050 Words   |  5 Pagesthe diversity of positions associated with existentialism, a precise definition is impossible; however, it suggests one major theme: a stress on individual existence and, consequently, on subjectivity, individual freedom, and choice {3}. Existentialism also refers to a family of philosophies devoted to an interpretation of human existence in the world that stresses its concreteness and its problematic character. Existentialism is often seen as an irrationlist revolt against tradiational phylosphyRead MoreThe On First Philosophy By Rene Descartes1699 Words   |  7 Pageswork my way up†¦ I will accomplish this by putting aside everything that admits of the least doubt† (I, 17). He is able to establish his own existence, but struggles to move beyond his internal thoughts to discuss external objects. Descartes decides that the Christian God is the bridge he needs to escape the confines of his own mind, and argues for the existence of God in the Third Meditation in order to move on to discussing the physical world. In this paper I will argue that Descartes’ rationalistic